Samsung Galaxy A72 5G vs Galaxy A52 5G: expectations

This comparison is based on reputable leaks, as both phones are not announced yet. Once we get the phones, we will update this article with official information.
All leaked images in this comparison are from WinFuture and @RolandQuandt
All leaked images in this comparison are from WinFuture and @RolandQuandt
We have been hearing loads of rumors about the two upcoming mid-range phones by Samsung, the Galaxy A72 and the Galaxy A52. Both phones are expected to come in 4G and in 5G variants, and we will be looking into the 5G ones in this theoretical comparison.
If you’re set on upgrading to a Galaxy A-series phone in 2021, you may be wondering which one you should go for: the Galaxy A72 5G, or the Galaxy A52 5G… in this article, we will attempt to help you find the answer!
You may also find interesting:
- Galaxy A51 vs Galaxy A52: early comparison
- Galaxy A72 preview
- Galaxy A72 vs Galaxy S21: expectations
- Galaxy A71 vs Galaxy A72: the key differences to expect
So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
Galaxy A72 5G vs Galaxy A52 5G design and colors
- same color options
- Galaxy A52 is slightly smaller than the A72
- IP67 rating for both
Both phones are expected to have plastic backs, and some rumors point to the fact the Galaxy A52 will have a metal frame, instead of a plastic one. The same is heard for the A72, so we don’t expect major differences in design for the two midrange phones by Samsung.
Galaxy A72 5G vs Galaxy A52 5G display
- 6.7-inch FullHD+ Super AMOLED Plus screen vs 6.5-inch FullHD+ Super AMOLED screen
- 90Hz vs 120Hz display refresh rate

If you’re keen on having more screen real estate, the Galaxy A72 will provide you with that, although the difference between it and the A52 is not as enormous, as, say, between the iPhone 12 and the 12 mini.
Galaxy A72 5G vs Galaxy A52 5G hardware and performance
- Snapdragon 750G for 5G variants of both
- 6 or 8GB of RAM
You might be surprised to hear that actually, at least judging by what we have based on rumors, the two phones will sport very similar hardware characteristics. First off, we have the same rumored processor that will power the two: Snapdragon 750G for the 5G variants, and 720G for the 4G LTE ones. For reference, the Moto G 5G has the same processor, as does the Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite and the Motorola One 5G Ace. Once we get the Galaxy A72 and the Galaxy A52 for testing, we’ll tell you exactly how the processor performs in the two Samsung midrangers.
The Galaxy A52 is expected to come with 6 or 8GB of RAM on board, and the A72 is tipped to come with 8GB of RAM. Both 6 and 8 gigs of RAM seem sufficient for your everyday multitasking needs, so here we don’t expect to see big differences either.
As far as performance is concerned, we can say that at least based on our experience with the two phones’ predecessors, both phones should be pretty capable and stutter-free in everyday usage.
Galaxy A72 5G vs Galaxy A52 5G cameras
- Quad cameras, main 64MP sensors
- A72 reportedly has an 8MP 2x telephoto
In the camera department, the only notable difference between the two phones is the 8MP telephoto lens that the Galaxy A72 will reportedly rock. The telephoto sensor replaces what is a depth sensor on the Galaxy A71, and if this turns out to be true, the sensor will provide 2x telephoto zoom, which should technically give better zoom-in photos.
The Galaxy A52, on the other hand, doesn’t have a telephoto lens but will most likely have a depth sensor and a macro camera. Both phones seem planned with 32MP front selfie cameras.

In terms of the actual photo quality that both phones will produce, we can at least expect a reasonable level of detail to be present and some true-to-life colors. Of course, we will know more when we take them for a spin. At least on paper, both phones’ main cameras are expected to perform similarly, and a difference could be seen in the zoomed-in images, where the A72 could earn a point.
While we wait for the phones to get announced, you can look at some camera samples from last year, from our Galaxy A71 and our Galaxy A51 reviews. Keep in mind the differences in scenarios in the photos below are due to the fact that when we were doing the Galaxy A51 review, it was still winter, while the Galaxy A71 photos were shot in the bright and contrasting summer shine.
Galaxy A72 5G vs Galaxy A52 5G battery life
- 5,000mAh vs 4,500mAh
- 25W fast charging for both
Given the fact that both phones are rumored to sport higher refresh rates for their displays, we will more or less see some of its impact on their battery life. The exact toll the higher refresh rate will take on both phones’ battery life will strongly depend on whether or not Samsung goes for an adaptive refresh rate.
As for charging, both are expected to sport fast 25W charging.
For reference, here's how the last year models performed in our battery life tests:
Galaxy A72 5G vs Galaxy A52 5G price and availability
- €449 vs €429
On the other hand, the Galaxy A52 5G will reportedly retail at €429 in Europe. We have yet to hear about the US prices.
Both phones are expected to be announced in late February or the beginning of March. Sales and shipments should start shortly after.
Conclusion
After all, which phone you should go for at this stage boils down to whether or not you want a bigger phone with bigger battery, and whether or not you think you can benefit from the 8MP telephoto lens we hear the A72 will sport. We have previously heard the Galaxy A72 will come with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), but recent rumors have not reiterated that, so don’t take it for granted. Apart from those differences, the phones, at least on paper, seem pretty similar.